Delta Dental’s first Senior Oral Health Survey Report: “Older Americans' Oral Care Regrets, Barriers and Impact,” revealed that 72% of Americans aged 50 and older wish they had taken better care of their teeth in youth, yet many still aren’t doing so. With oral health linked to heart, brain and mental health, dentists encourage following the “rule of 2-1-2”
As our seniors are facing an oral health crisis due to unique challenges and barriers to access that have significant overall health implications, this report offers valuable insights to help support Delta Dental's commitment to providing older adults with consistent, quality access to oral health care, improving education and driving lasting policy changes to address systemic issues.
This program addresses the senior oral health care crisis through partnerships with community-based coalitions focused on improving access to care. Its multifaceted approach aspires to improve the health of our aging adults, particularly those in marginalized communities.
In collaboration with our first two coalition partners, Howard University College of Dentistry and Mary’s Center, this program will promote the connection between oral health and overall health, provide quality outcomes, improve accessibility and create greater equity in the care and treatment older adults receive. Insights collected throughout the program will be utilized to identify effective solutions and inform the Delta Dental Senior Oral Health Care Model, which will be replicated as the program develops. The program will expand to form coalitions with other community partners.
Identify, assess and address the socioeconomic and systemic causes of poor oral health among older adults, particularly those living in poverty
Create a replicable model for community-driven oral health solutions
Improve quality of life for seniors by reducing oral care disparities
Get the latest insights on how Delta Dental is addressing senior oral health care.
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Learn about the senior oral health program and the mission of the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation.
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